Insurers reveal items most often reported stolen

High-tech items - likely to be popular Christmas gifts - are among the top 10 items likely to be reported stolen, according to insurers.

The data refers to thefts in the 2016-17 financial year, according to the NRMA in NSW and RACV in Victoria.

Jewellery took the top spot in both states, with the NRMA receiving more than 5300 stolen jewellery claims and the RACV nearly 3200.

However, the second items on the list were quite different between the states, with hardware and hand tools second in Victoria at 1104 claims, but only sixth in NSW. Similarly, second on the list in NSW was mobile phones, which were as far down as eighth in Victoria.

Laptops and notebooks, cash and multimedia tablets rounded out third, fourth and fifth places respectively in both states, making the results similar to data released by Australia's largest general insurer, IAG, last year.

In Victoria, this was followed by digital cameras, jewellery watches, mobile phones, clothes and shoes, and computer accessories.

The RACV received $2.2 million worth of claims related to digital devices.

RACV general manager, home insurance, Stacey Maher said: "Our data shows that in the last financial year there were 2500 consumer electrical items stolen. This data shows that incidents of theft are far more common than many of us like to believe."

The NRMA also received more than 2300 claims in this category.

NRMA Insurance told Fairfax Media: "Our latest claims data shows that thieves are targeting lightweight and portable items, with jewellery items like bracelets, necklaces and rings being the most popular items for burglars. With the growing popularity of digital devices, it's not surprising to see that gadgets like mobile phones, tablets and laptops are also high up the list of the most popular stolen items."

According to the NRMA, the average cost of replacing a stolen gadget is about $5000.

Theft poses a particular concern to consumers at this time of year, given both the likelihood of giving and receiving high-value, new items that are attractive to thieves, and the risk also increases as many people leave their homes to take holidays.

The Victorian Police offer a few tips to protect your home from theft while on holiday, including keeping up appearances by enlisting a house-sitter, pausing your mail or asking someone trusted to collect it, and using timed lights, as well as securing valuables in a safe place within your home.

Some insurers also offer single-item insurance to protect valuable possessions as an alternative to general home and contents insurance. RACV recently launched this, offering coverage for individual laptops, tablets, phones and gaming consoles for as little as $25 a year.